Avie introduces the Valentin Berlinsky Quartet, a Zurich-based international foursome that chose its name to honor the legendary founding cellist of the Borodin Quartet. The group received the blessing for their attribution from the cellist's daughter, pianist Ludmila Berlinskaia, with whom they frequently perform. On their debut album, composers who dominated the quartet genre during their respective eras complement each other well. Many of the Shostakovich Quartets were premiered by the Beethoven Quartet, and were championed by the Borodins. In an additional nod to their namesake, the two composers were a favored combination of Berlinsky's.

Fanfare Magazine - Jerry DubinsFor performances, this gets an A-double-plus. So, if you think you're able to abide the sound of the recording, primarily in the Beethoven, I'd urge you to give this release the strongest consideration.

Gramophone Magazine, June 2012One registers a conscious effort to reinforce the importance of warmth, blend and polish. The spacious recording is entirely in keeping with these old-school priorities. Focus and refinement may slip a little in the face of the implosive ferocity of the Seventh's finale but there is little to criticise and much to admire. The inviting, singing tone of the Beethoven is yet more striking.

BBC Music Magazine, July 2012In all three works in their warmly recorded debut disc they offer playing that combines technical perfection with excpetional maturity and musical insight. Particularly admirable is their performance of the Beethoven F major Razumovsky Quartet...Every interpretative nuance has been carefully honed, yet the playing really does penetrate the multi-faceted character of the outer movements and brings great depth of expression to the Adagio molto.